a. [f. KITTEN sb. + -ISH1.] Like a kitten, or that of a kitten; having the qualities or characteristics of a kitten; playful.
1754. Richardson, Grandison (1812), IV. 115. Such a kittenish disposition in her.
1844. Dickens, Mart. Chuz., ii. She was all girlishness, and playfulness, and wildness, and kittenish buoyancy.
1895. ‘M. E. Francis,’ Frieze & Fustian, 45. The kittenish grace of her small slight figure.
Hence Kittenishly adv.
1896. W. J. Locke, Demagogue & Lady Phayre, iii. 22. The little blue ribbon … with the bow tied kittenishly under her ear.
